Novatel SMART6, User Manual, Page: 43 / 78

NovAtel Firmware and Software Chapter 5
SMART6 User Manual Rev 3 43
Temporary auth-codes may be provided by NovAtel for evaluation purposes. Once the trial period has
expired, a new auth-code will need to be obtained from NovAtel Customer Support (
support@novatel.com) .
The new download package includes a signed firmware file type that uses an extension designated as
“.shex” (example OEM060200RN0000.shex), as well as the latest WinLoad utility and What’s New file
containing firmware update change details.
5.3 Updating or Upgrading Using the WinLoad Utility
WinLoad is the simplest and most common way to update or upgrade a SMART6 receiver.
5.3.1 Transferring Firmware Files
To proceed with an update or possibly an upgrade, obtain the latest version of firmware by downloading the
(OEM Version) for your product from
www.novatel.com/support/firmware-downloads .
Format of Firmware Files
All of the firmware available on the downloads website are packaged in .zip files with the following names:
• OEMXXXRN0000.zip for firmware to be installed on OEM615, OEM617, OEM617D, FlexPak6,
OEM628 or SMART6 receivers
• OMPXXXRN0000.zip for firmware to be installed on OEM638 receiver
NovAtel Customer Service may generate and provide the required authorization code. Authorization codes
are obtained by contacting
support@novatel.com or at www.novatel.com/Support/ .
For convenience, unzip the update file to a GNSS sub-directory (for example, C:\GNSS\LOADER). If the
firmware update file is password protected, NovAtel Customer Support provides the required password.
The zip archive includes the following files:
winload.exe WinLoad utility program
howto.txt Instructions on how to use the WinLoad utility
whatsnew.rtf Information on the changes made in the firmware since the last revision
x..x.shex Firmware version upgrade file, where x..x defines the product name and release (e.g.,
OEM060400RN0000.shex)
NovAtel Software License Agreement.rtf License agreement for the firmware.
The files are extracted to unzip/program files/NovAtel Inc/x.xxx Full Update Disk, where x.xxx is the firmware
version.
 Prior to firmware version OEM060200RN0000, authorization codes depended on the software
model, the firmware version and the serial number of the receiver. The authorization code
changed if any of the three items changed. This is no longer the case, they are now no longer
dependent on firmware version.

COM1 or COM2 must be used to update or upgrade a SMART6 receiver. The AUX port can not
be used for loading firmware.

NovAtel has an online video tutorial that explains firmware uploading at: www.novatel.com/
support/videos .